Kayvon Webster is proving to be a valuable free agent signing already

Kayvon Webster wasn’t a high-profile signing for the Los Angeles Rams this offseason. He has just two career starts and one interception, all of which came in his rookie season four years ago. However, those lackluster numbers don’t tell the whole story on his career.

In Denver, Webster was blockaded by arguably the best cornerback unit in all of football: Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr. and Bradley Roby. Now in Los Angeles, he’s going to have a chance to become a primary starter. And according to coach Sean McVay, he’s already done just that.

“Unless something changes, he’s starting,” the coach said during his press conference. “He’s been very important to us, so I think you want to be mindful of that because he is such an elite special teams player.”

Wade Phillips, the Rams’ new defensive coordinator, spent the last two years in the same position with the Broncos. In doing so, he became familiar with Webster and the potential he possessed as a cornerback – beyond his typical special teams work.

Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

That gave the Rams a better idea of how he could contribute on defense in 2017 and beyond, and if his play thus far is any indication of his future in L.A., he’ll be a reliable contributor.

“Well, I think when you talk about getting Kayvon, it was very fortunate that Wade had some exposure to him because the depth that they had at corner – he was an elite special teams player and in the limited snaps he did play he put good stuff on tape,” McVay said. “But, I think since the day that Kayvon’s got here he’s represented great work, great player on the field, I think he’s been a huge addition to our secondary and you look at he and Trumaine Johnson, they offer a nice pair at the corner spot. I love the way that he works and he’s been a joy to be around.”

Needless to say, Webster will surpass his career starts total early this season, barring an injury or unforeseen situation. The real question is whether he’ll double his interception total by bringing in his first pick since 2013.